Officials: Arsonist Sets House On Fire While Family Is Sleeping

Middletown – The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal has determined that this morning’s house fire in Middletown is a case of arson, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.

Chionchio said the blaze, reported shortly after 4:00 am, occurred in the unit block of West Lockwood Street near North Broad Street. The Volunteer Hose Company responded to the scene and were able to extinguished the fire.

State fire investigators were called to the scene and are conducting the criminal investigation. The fire was intentionally started while five children and two adults were asleep inside, said Chionchio. Everyone escaped from the house without injury, Chionchio added.

Fire damage was estimated at $10,000. The five children and two adults have been relocated.

Anyone with information regarding this fire is asked to contact the State Fire Marshal’s New Castle Division at (302) 323-5375 or Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333.

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